Tomato crisis in Morocco: Tuta Absoluta infestation raises concerns

MOROCCO – Tuta Absoluta is causing significant damage to tomato plantations across Morocco, sparking widespread concern among growers.

“No grower has been spared, and everyone struggles to contain the problem,” says Oussama Machi, an early vegetable grower based in Agadir.

Since its arrival in 2008, Moroccan tomato growers have battled Tuta Absoluta, a pest that periodically causes severe damage. This year, the infestation appears particularly devastating.

Machi explains, “Losses are of the order of 20% of the tonnage produced, rising to 35% if combined with ToBRFV, and can go as far as the complete uprooting of plants. Even farms with exemplary cultivation practices and major prevention efforts face up to 70% losses without these measures.”

The current spread of Tuta Absoluta is primarily due to the pest’s increased resistance to authorized pesticides, such as chlorantraniliprole and abamectin. Additionally, Europe now permits only five active ingredients in pesticides, with Germany potentially reducing this number to three.

 “The exclusion of effective pesticides containing Spinosad complicates the situation,” notes Machi. The combination of this summer’s heat and humidity has further accelerated the infestation.

A significant factor exacerbating the situation is growers’ reluctance to use biological control methods, specifically the insect Nesidiocoris tenuis.

Machi states, “Moroccan farmers often believe that biological control contributes to the spread of ToBRFV because the insects used are mechanical vectors of the virus. Although there is no firm scientific consensus on this, it is an empirical observation that growers believe.”

This reluctance hampers the implementation of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), which remains the most effective method for controlling Tuta Absoluta.

Despite these challenges, the infestation’s timing — at the end of the Moroccan season — means the impact on the export campaign is minimal.

According to Machi, the moth is less aggressive in open fields, which are the main source of round tomatoes for the local market.

Most growers in the Agadir region have finished their campaigns, except those exporting to markets like the UK or West Africa.

The effect on planting decisions for the upcoming season is uncertain. The previous season started late due to the widespread occurrence of ToBRFV and the previous summer’s heatwaves.

Machi remains cautiously optimistic, stating, “Early tomatoes have been very profitable this season and remain very attractive despite the risk. I believe there will be no influence on the precocity of the campaign.”

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